Effect of captopril on myocardial energy metabolism in chronic pressure overload rats

Objective To investigate the effects of captopril on cardiac function and levels of energy-rich phosphates in pressure overload induced left ventricular hypertrophy rats. Methods One hundred and twenty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (SH group, n=40),coarctation of abdominal aorta group (CAA group, n=40) and captopril treatment 1 mg· 1001·d-1) group (CAP group, n=40). Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), levels of energy-rich phosphates and morphological changes of the myocardial mitochondria were compared at the 6th and 8th week after operation. Results At 6th week, in CAA group, LVMI and LVEDP were increased and ±dp/dtmax was decreased, while ATP and ADP were decreased and AMP was increased (P<0.01). These changes were much obvious at 8th week (P<0.01). Compared with those of CAA group, the parameters of heart function and energy-rich phosphates (ATP, ADP, AMP, TAN) in CAP group were improved significantly(P<0.01) at the 6th and 8th week. In CAP group, the parameters of heart function and energy-rich phosphates (ADP, AMP, TAN) were much better at 8th week than those at 6th week. The morphological change of mitochondria was less in CAP group than that in CAA group. Conclusion Captopril significantly improves myocardial energy metabolism in pressure overload rats and protects the function of myocardial mitochondria.